img
Address 9960-67 Avenue NW, Edmonton,
Alberta Canada, T6E 0P5
img
Phone No. (780) 450-3957
Microcystin and Algal Toxin Testing Services in Canada

Harmful algal blooms can affect drinking water sources, reservoirs, lakes, recreational waters, and environmental monitoring programs.

Microcystin testing helps organizations identify potential risks associated with cyanobacteria and algal toxin production before they impact public health, water quality, recreational use, or operational decisions.

PBR Laboratories provides microcystin and algal toxin testing services throughout Alberta, Western Canada, and Canada.

What Is Microcystin Testing?

Microcystins are toxins produced by certain species of cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as blue-green algae.

Under favorable environmental conditions, cyanobacteria can form harmful algal blooms capable of producing toxins that affect water quality and public health.

Testing helps determine:

  • Whether algal toxins are present
  • Whether toxin concentrations are changing
  • Whether additional monitoring may be required
  • Whether water management actions should be considered
Who Needs Microcystin Testing?
  • Municipalities: Monitor drinking water sources and reservoirs.
  • Water Utilities: Support source water protection programs.
  • Environmental Consultants: Environmental assessments and monitoring projects.
  • Reservoir Operators: Water quality monitoring and risk management.
  • Recreational Water Managers: Public beach and recreational water programs.
  • Industrial Facilities: Source water monitoring and environmental programs.
Algal Toxin Testing Services

Microcystin Testing
What Is Microcystin Testing?
Microcystin testing evaluates water samples for toxins produced by cyanobacteria.
Why Is It Important?
Supports decisions regarding:
• Drinking water source protection
• Reservoir management
• Recreational water use
• Environmental monitoring
Common Applications:
• Reservoirs
• Lakes
• Surface water systems
• Drinking water sources

Cyanobacteria Monitoring
What Is Cyanobacteria Monitoring?
Cyanobacteria monitoring evaluates water systems for conditions associated with harmful algal bloom development.
Why Is It Important?
Supports:
• Early detection programs
• Water quality monitoring
• Source water assessments
Common Applications:
• Reservoirs
• Lakes
• Surface water systems

Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring
What Is Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring?
Monitoring programs help evaluate bloom development, bloom persistence, and associated risks.
Why Is It Important?
Supports proactive water management decisions before blooms significantly impact water quality.

Drinking Water Source Monitoring
What Is Source Water Monitoring?
Source water monitoring evaluates water quality conditions that may affect treatment operations and drinking water systems.
Common Applications:
• Reservoirs
• Surface water intakes
• Source water protection programs

Recreational Water Monitoring
What Is Recreational Water Monitoring?
Monitoring supports water quality assessments for recreational areas and public-use water bodies.
Common Applications:
• Public beaches
• Lakes
• Recreational reservoirs

Common Risks Associated With Harmful Algal Blooms
  • Public Health Concerns: Certain cyanobacteria may produce toxins that affect water quality and recreational water use.
  • Drinking Water Source Impacts: Blooms may affect source water quality and treatment operations.
  • Reservoir Management Challenges: Bloom development may influence operational decisions and monitoring requirements.
  • Recreational Water Concerns: Bloom conditions may impact public access and recreational use.
  • Environmental Monitoring Requirements: Monitoring programs may require additional testing during bloom events.
What Decisions Does Microcystin Testing Support?
  • Drinking Water Source Protection: Evaluate risks affecting source water quality.
  • Reservoir Management: Support operational and monitoring decisions.
  • Recreational Water Programs: Assess water quality conditions for public use.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Support environmental assessments and investigations.
  • Risk Management: Identify emerging issues before they become larger operational concerns.
When Is Microcystin Testing Recommended?

Testing may be considered when:

  • Visible Algal Growth Is Observed: Surface accumulations or bloom conditions are present.
  • Water Quality Changes Occur: Changes in colour, clarity, or appearance are observed.
  • Drinking Water Sources Are Affected: Source water monitoring programs identify potential risks.
  • Recreational Water Concerns Arise: Water bodies used by the public require evaluation.
  • Environmental Monitoring Programs Require Additional Assessment: Projects involve lakes, reservoirs, or surface water systems.
Why Microcystin Testing Matters

Microcystin testing helps organizations:

  • Protect public health
  • Support source water protection
  • Improve reservoir management
  • Support environmental monitoring
  • Identify emerging risks
  • Make informed operational decisions
FAQ SECTION

What are microcystins?
Microcystins are toxins produced by certain cyanobacteria species during harmful algal bloom events.

What are cyanobacteria?
Cyanobacteria are aquatic microorganisms commonly referred to as blue-green algae.

What is a harmful algal bloom?
A harmful algal bloom occurs when algae or cyanobacteria grow rapidly and potentially affect water quality.

Who requires microcystin testing?
Municipalities, utilities, environmental consultants, reservoir operators, recreational water managers, and industrial facilities.

What water sources are commonly tested?
Reservoirs, lakes, surface waters, source waters, recreational waters, and drinking water sources.

Does visible algae always indicate toxins are present?
Not necessarily. Laboratory testing helps determine whether algal toxins are present.

When should testing be performed?
Testing may be performed during bloom events, routine monitoring programs, investigations, or source water assessments.

Can microcystin testing support drinking water programs?
Yes. Testing is commonly used to support source water protection and drinking water monitoring programs.

RELATED SERVICES
RELATED RESOURCES
  • Understanding Microcystin Results
  • What Are Harmful Algal Blooms?
  • Cyanobacteria Monitoring Explained
  • Source Water Protection Best Practices
  • Reservoir Monitoring Programs
  • Common Water Quality Risks in Surface Waters
Need Microcystin or Algal Toxin Testing Support?

PBR Laboratories provides microcystin testing, cyanobacteria monitoring, harmful algal bloom assessments, source water monitoring, and recreational water testing services throughout Alberta, Western Canada, and Canada.
Contact PBR to discuss reservoirs, lakes, drinking water sources, recreational waters, environmental monitoring projects, and water quality management objectives.
Choose PBR – Because Precision Matters, Defining Excellence in Laboratory Services Since 1984.